Halifa Sallah’s Book Launch to Mark the Birth Of The Republic on 24 April 1970

Foroyaa: What is the significance of 24th April?

Halifa: This is the date in 1970 when the Gambia became a Sovereign Republic. As of that day, no authority is legitimate which fails to derive its powers from the consent of the people and no authority is genuine unless it utilises its powers to enhance the liberty, dignity and prosperity of the people.

Foroyaa: Could you go into the details of your book

Halifa: I will do so after its launching on Sunday 25th April 2008 at the Paradise Suites at 515 PM. Cultural activities to promote the values of the Republic and the Sovereignty of the people will be held on the same day and venue from 12 midday to 5 PM.

Foroyaa: Who could attend the programme?

Halifa: Everyone is invited.

Foroyaa: Will the Launching of Two books be possible in one day?

Halifa: It has been finally agreed by the organisers that we have two separate launching. Hence, the “Road to Self Determination and Independence” is to be launched on Sunday in Commemoration of Republican Day.

“The Juridical Foundation of the Republic (Past, Present and Future)” will be launched on May 25th in commemoration of Africa Liberation Day.

Foroyaa: You would not give us a hint?

Halifa: What I could say is that it answers all the questions one could ask about the evolution of the Gambian state and people. The book has delineated the facts and fiction of Gambian history. The most I could say is to offer to re-purchase any copy that a buyer wishes to sell back to me after reading it. I sincerely hold that no one would be willing to part with the book after reading a copy.

Foroyaa: What motivated you to write this book?

Halifa: At the back cover I wrote:

‘The writing of the book is motivated by the realisation that a people cannot shape its future unless it understands its past. Each generation has a duty to bequeath a future to its descendants, which is better than the past it has inherited or the present it has managed to construct. This can only be done by giving the young the clarity of vision necessary to enable them to build a future of prosperity in liberty

If this book helps the reader to have a thorough understanding of the past and a clear perception of what the future holds and how each could contribute, to shape a common destiny, to address their needs and aspirations, then the purpose for which it was written is served. I hope this is sufficient information.

The End.’